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| Issue 03/07 November 2007 |
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SPOTLIGHT ON: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - November 25th
To commemorate this day, the United Nations Development Fund for Women, UNIFEM, its Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman, and a large number of partners has launched an Internet campaign on ending violence against women. Titled, “Say NO to Violence against Women,” the campaign invites people to add their names to a virtual book on a web site that has been developed specifically for this purpose: www.saynotoviolence.org. Urging hundreds of thousands — even millions — of people around the world to participate, the campaign aims to send a strong message to decision-makers to place ending violence against women high on the global agenda. The campaign will run from November 25th 2007 to March 8th 2008 (International Women's Day). “Violence against women is an appalling human rights violation,” said UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman in a statement. “But it is not inevitable. We can put a stop to this. The more names we collect, the stronger our case to make ending violence against women a top priority for governments everywhere. This is why I was the first to sign my name.”
Statistics indicate that as many as one in three women will experience violence in her lifetime. Too often, this violence occurs with impunity for perpetrators and inadequate access to support for survivors. UNIFEM has been a leading advocate for decisive action to address the multiple manifestations of gender-based violence — whether it be domestic violence, human trafficking or systematic rape in conflict zones. The task continues, however, to be an uphill battle, as fear and shame prevent many women from speaking out Please click here to read the full article.
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ANNOUNCEMENT: Message from UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman
 Hello, One in 3 women may suffer from abuse and violence in her lifetime. This is an appalling human rights violation. But we can put a stop to this.
As the Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Development Fund for Women, UNIFEM, I am asking you to "say NO to violence against women" by joining our internet-based global advocacy effort. Widespread participation by people in every country sends a strong message to governments around that world that ending violence against women must be a top priority.
Please help us demonstrate that hundreds of thousands — even millions — demand action and insist on resources for programs that prevent, protect and provide services for survivors. How can you do it? By adding your name to our book ... by sending on to friends, family and colleagues so they can join.
I became UNIFEM's Goodwill Ambassador to amplify the voices of the women and girls who have been subjected to violence and abuse. That is why I was the first to sign up my name for this important campaign. Please add your name to mine. It's easy and it's fast. A special website has been created at www.saynotoviolence.org where you will be able to sign on.
The more names we collect, the stronger our case to put ending violence against women on the top of the agenda and making the world a safer place for women. Thank you for joining me.
 Nicole Kidman
UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador
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EVENT REPORT: UNIFEM-FWAS SNOW Benefit 2007
The SNOW Benefit Dinner 2007 was held at Conrad Centennial Hotel on November 13th, 2007. Over S$200,000 was raised at the Benefit, which will go toward anti-trafficking programs in the Mekong region, as well as the Cambodian Women's Crisis Centre. Here are some exclusive photos from the event.  UNIFEM Singapore President, Saleemah Ismail (left) and FWAS (Financial Women's Association) President, Trina Liang delivering the welcome speech to the guests
 The Anglo Chinese Junior College Choir entertaining the guests
 It was a packed ballroom with all 25 allocated tables were taken up
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ANNOUNCEMENT: MTV Launches Documentary on Trafficking
On 20th November 2007, MTV launched Traffic: An MTV Exit Special. Traffic tells the stories of real people who unwittingly become part of the trafficking chain, including Anna, who was trafficked from the Philippines and forced into prostitution; Eka, an Indonesian woman trafficked into forced domestic servitude and a life of slavery; and Min Aung from Burma, who was trafficked and imprisoned for two years in a factory.
It also unfolds other links in the trafficking chain, including a trafficker from the Philllipines who has been forcing girls into prostitution for over 20 years, a young man from Taiwan who pays for sex, an anti-trafficking police officer from Thailand, and a women who runs a shelter in Singapore for victims of trafficking and other abuses. To watch the documentary, please visit mtvexit.org
UNIFEM Singapore President, Saleemah Ismail, spoke at the press conference for the launch of MTV Exit at Indochine. She said:" It's great that MTV has decided to bring Trafficking into the spotlight. I know the youth that watch MTV are a powerful group that are able to make changes”
Win exclusive MTV Exit T-shirts!
Simply answer this question: "What does the acronym EXIT in MTV Exit stand for?"
The first three correct answers to email contact@unifemsingapore.org.sg will win!
This giveaway is valid for UNIFEM Singapore members only. Please quote your membership number in the email.
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EVENT REPORT:
The Picturehouse Explores: Your Name is Justine
Over an intimate setting at the Picturehouse Lounge, UNIFEM Singapore President Saleemah Ismail shared her knowledge and first hand experience of trafficking and the sex trade in South East Asia. This dialogue session on sex trafficking was held in conjunction with The Picturehouse Screening of the film 'Your Name is Justine' and was open to the Public. Having met a number of such girls in Batam, where 80% of the customers are Singaporeans, Saleemah revealed that many of them are not happy with what they are doing, but continue to do so as their spirits have been broken, and for the safety and wellbeing of their families back home. Many of these girls are also very young (12 to 14) and do not know their own rights, and are easily tricked or influenced. After an intense hour which involved many questions and answers from the participants, the session drew to a close, with many of the participants staying back to find out more. |
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ANNOUNCEMENT:
UNIFEM Photo Competition
Put your photos to a good cause! We are looking for photos to add to our archive for use for publicity and educational purposes. The three best entries shall receive bragging rights and a lovely 'Merry Cranberry' gift set from The Body Shop.  Win this lovely gift set!
Rules and Regulations:
1. This competition is open to the Public.
2. Digital Photos should be at least 1MB in size, and not be digitally altered.
3. Participants may submit as many photos as possible.
4. By submitting your photo, you shall be granting UNIFEM the non-exclusive rights to photo usage.
4. Closing Date for entries is 15th January, 2008.
Submit your photos today!
By Email: contact@unifemsingapore.org.sg, Please put 'UNIFEM Photo Competition' in the subject line of your email
By Mail: Mail your photos to UNIFEM Singapore at 2 Nassim Road, Singapore 258370. We regret that photos received will not be returned.
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ANNOUNCEMENT: Join the UNIFEM Singapore Group on Facebook
 UNIFEM Singapore has started a group on the popular online networking site - facebook. The facebook group will be used as an active forum for UNIFEM to give updates, photos and information to all group members. It will also serve as a platform for group members to share ideas, information and thoughts.
The UNIFEM Singapore facebook group is open to everyone. To join, simply search for 'UNIFEM Singapore' on facebook. Please note that you have to sign up for facebook before you can join the group.
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